Maternal Health Nicaragua

Main Menu

Vitamins for Pregnant women

Taking care of your baby is very important during pregnancy stage and the earlier you start the better. There are several steps to taking care of your baby but we would start with pre-natal vitamins and the importance of selecting the right vitamins. Pre-natal vitamins are formulated multivitamins that make up for any nutritional deficiencies in the mother’s diet. Although supplements contain numerous vitamins and minerals necessary; the most important ones are folic acid, iron, and calcium.

BENEFITS OF EACH VITAMIN

Folic Acid: is a vitamin needed to replenish new cells in the body. The body does not store a lot of folic acid so you need a regular supply to stay healthy. Pregnant women particularly need a constant supply of folic acid, which is used by the developing baby. The baby uses folic acid for the growth of their neural tube which eventually develops into the brain and spinal cord.

Iron: is necessary for producing haemoglobin that carries oxygen to other cells. As an expecting mother, your body is most vulnerable and if certain measures are not taken, you can harm your body and your baby’s development. Iron helps you maintain a healthy immune system so it can fight against diseases.

Calcium: when expecting, your developing baby will need plenty of calcium to grow their own bones. If you do not have enough calcium in your diet, your baby will still use the calcium they require, but they end up taking calcium stored in their mother’s bones which means the expecting mother needs to replenish her supply.

As you purchase your supplements and eat these foods, be sure to consult with your doctor to find out what is right for you and enjoy every moment of your pregnancy as some women are not as privileged to carry a child.